Scent-based Cocktail Bar to Open in Detroit’s Midtown District

A new craft cocktail bar called Castalia is slated to open March 21 in Detroit’s Midtown district. The bar will focus on the ties between fragrance and flavor.

The establishment is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Kevin Peterson and Jane Larson. The couple also has a store called Sfumato Fragrances, and drinks at the new bar will be inspired by Sfumato scents.

“A lot of our fragrance ideas come from the culinary world, so it’s a natural fit to tie in drinks,” says Peterson, a Sfumato partner and mixologist. “The cocktails allow people to experience our sanctuary for the senses in an intimate setting and spend time with our scents. We’re excited to create this completely unique experience in Detroit.”

The bar will be located under the fragrance shop at 3980 Second Ave., just south of West Alexandrine Street and two blocks west of Orchestra Hall (Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center).

Prior to its official opening, Peterson and Larson will host ticketed tastings for the public on March 7-10 and March 14-17; from 7-9 p.m. The events will offer guests four small cocktails, one full-size cocktail, and paired snacks. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at CastaliaCocktails.com.

Once officially opened, Castalia will be operate from 6 p.m.-midnight, Wednesday through Saturday.

Sfumato Fragrances was founded in 2013 and uses only plant-based ingredients. Its products are sold across the country and online. Learn more at SfumatoFrangrances.com.